Actress Laverne Cox is the cover star for the February 2018 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine and it marks the first time in history that a transgender person is on the cover of the magazine.

Laverne Cox shared her exciting news on Instagram saying “I am so honored and proud to cover the February issue of @cosmopolitansa”

Cosmopolitan SA also shared the cover, with the caption:

“Say WHAT? #SayYesToLove 🏳️‍🌈 And this month’s issue is filled with it! 💖 In this South Africa exclusive @lavernecox stars as COSMO’s first ever openly trans cover girl! Ain’t I a woman? Yes you are and we 💞 you. ALSO, #LGBTQI+ allies and activists on Love in 2018 💝 You don’t want to miss this one! #COSMOxLaverne#COSMOFebruary#TransIsBeautiful ⭐️ click on the link in my bio to get your copy of this very special issue.”

In the magazine, Laverne says, “As a black transgender woman, I’ve often been kept a secret by the men that I’ve dated,” she said. “So when my ex-boyfriend introduced me to his dad and invited me to spend Hanukkah with him and his family, it was the most special thing ever. Trans women deserve to be loved out in the open and in the light.”

The Valentine’s Day-themed #SayYesToLove edition is focused on LGBTQ issues, and features a rainbow-colored masthead designed specifically for the occasion.